Hyundai surprises again
Hyundai is a car company whose time in the spotlight has been growing with intensity for the past decade. Over the previous two years, seven new or significantly revised vehicles have been introduced to an eager buying public. The result is an almost unquenchable thirst for more and Hyundai is doing everything possible to satisfy its growing market share.
Quality at Hyundai is now rated in the upper echelons of excellence. Long gone are the days of remembering the Korean automaker as anything other than A-list. Vehicle nameplates such as Accent, Sonata, Santa Fe, Tucson and Veracruz are on the tip of everyone’s tongue when looking to purchase a new or used vehicle.
So I ask the question, with more success and notoriety being heaped on Hyundai with each passing day, what could they possibly present as an encore?
Hyundai answered this question at the Dunnville Autodrome in Southern Ontario by introducing us to the Hyundai Performance Parts Line.
The rationale behind offering genuine Hyundai performance upgrades is rooted quite simply in automotive marketing. Dodge sells SRT Vehicles and Mopar parts to help strengthen overall brand appeal. BMW showcases a full range of M Series vehicles that build on the “Sheer Driving Pleasures” theme and Mercedes-Benz wows us each year with something new from AMG as a way to remain fresh in the minds of driving enthusiasts.
The art of knowing when to copy a good thing has been a core value of this company from the start and Hyundai jumps on the performance bandwagon with three of its most popular vehicles: the Accent two-door hatchback, Sonata and newly styled Tiburon.
If I were to ask you to make a list of the top 10 high performing small cars, it is safe to say the Hyundai Accent two-door hatchback would probably be left off your honour roll. Versatile, fun to drive and sporty looking, yes, but a killer at the race track? Given what we witnessed first-hand at the Autodrome, I am going to suggest you alter your thinking about Hyundai one more time.
A Canada-only vehicle, the Accent SR is a spectacular car on the race track. It is so good in fact, that many of the assembled journalists preferred it to the more expensive Tiburon and Sonata.
Available in three colours, Ebony Black, Bright Red and Space Silver, the Accent SR provided trackside featured a full complement of Hyundai Performance Parts and accessories designed to enhance both the appearance and drive of the car.
Standard features on the Accent SR include ABS, EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution), Custom Body Colour Front and Rear Fascia, Side Skirts and Wheel Flares, and Stainless Steel Exhaust Tip.
In the case of our Space Silver Accent SR, it featured 16-in. alloy wheels in a five-spoke design with well broken-in, high-performance tires. Exclusive “SR” badging adorns the side directional markers just below the mirror and rear hatch insignia.
Inside, the look of the Accent SR is businessman by day meets boy racer by night.
I have driven many small cars in my time and I can say without doubt this is one of the finest interior packages available in an affordable car. Everything works well, from the seats, steering wheel and dash layout, to the 400 watts of stereo power and optional carbon-fibre-look trim.
Take it out on the track for a little racing and the Accent SR will simply blow you away. Retail pricing starts at $19,795 for a five-speed manual transmission and $20,795 for a four-speed automatic, with Hyundai Performance Parts increasing the final price.
Not to be outdone by the reasonably priced Accent SR, Hyundai also showcased performance upgrades for the Tiburon coupe and Sonata sedan.
Restyled for 2007, the Tiburon is available in four different models: GS, GS Sport, GT and GT Limited. Of these, the GS Sport makes up 70% of the total sales, according to Robert Marner, director, marketing and public relations at Hyundai Canada.
Designed to provide excellent all-around handling dynamics, this is one shark that should never be on anyone’s endangered list. Firmer suspension settings and a potent 2.7-litre DOHC V6 with 172 hp are sure to make you smile.
Strap on an additional 100+ hp from the Performance Parts supercharger Hyundai showcased at the track, along with EIBACH Pro-Kit Lowering Springs, big brakes and performance exhaust and that smile is sure to turn into giggle.
The Sonata has long been considered a great looking vehicle, but with the addition of a ground effects kit, lowered suspension and premium alloy wheels, it takes a mild-mannered looking sedan and changes it into a real head-turner. Finishing off the overall package is a colour-keyed rear lip spoiler and Hyundai Performance Parts badging located below the side mirrors.
With recent attention focused on slowing drivers down instead of speeding them up, the timing for Hyundai Performance Parts is interesting. Ultimately, the additional equipment is designed to personalize your vehicle and improve the way it handles on the road. It is up to the driver to thoughtfully employ the extra performance capabilities. A race track is a great place to do just that. Having a high performing car is a great thing — knowing where and when to use it makes the experience even better!
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